So we got a manual 2011 Peugeot RCZ
Choices for sporting two-door coupes are limited in the GCC market if you’re on a budget. There’s the Hyundai Genesis Coupe that is saddled with badge-perception issues and a dealer reluctant to import manual ones. There’s the Ford Mustang, which is built like a Ford Mustang. There’s the Chevy Camaro, whose interior is about as pleasing as an airplane toilet. There’s the Honda Accord Coupe and the Nissan Altima Coupe, neither as sporting as they’re expected to be. There’s the VW Scirocco, a fake “coupe” that really is a photoshopped Golf. And now, there is the Peugeot RCZ. And it takes budget coupes to a whole other level.
The RCZ looks like a concept car. In fact, it was a concept car that has been faithfully transformed into a practical road car. The pricier Audi TT looks downright boring next to this Frenchie.
Our tester was not the lazy 156 hp automatic version. We asked for the 200 hp manual one. That bump up in horsepower transforms the RCZ from a girl’s (or girly guy’s) car to an enthusiast’s machine.
The detailing on this car is phenomenal. The spoiler pops up when needed. The wheels are available in silver or black. The roof rails are aluminium. The roof itself is a double-bubble that extends to the shapely rear glass. The only thing missing are dual exhaust outlets on both sides to complete the look, but then again, they’re technically not needed in a turbo four.
The dashboard is a leatherette-clad version of the rubbery one found in the Peugeot 308, on which the RCZ is based. The metal shift knob gets pretty hot in the sun.
The powered front seats are decently-bolstered like a sports car should have, but the seating position isn’t too low. Reaching back for the seat-belt can be a bit of a stretch.
The rear seats are vestigial, good for bags, toddlers or a friend with his legs up sideways.
The cramped rear seats allow for a sizeable luggage boot, very practical, complete with a useful cargo net.
The Peugeot RCZ appears a bit weird in pictures, but is a stunning car in person. With a turbo engine, a manual gearbox and a sporting base, it is a desirable entry in the entry-level sports car segment. More in the full review.
Comments
Mohamed Nabil
I Adour i own one in ksa but i’m using it in Egypt coz. i’m from egypt
AnyWay poeple can’t stop looking on me and on my GF inside the car :S That make me feel some how bad :S
maniac
okayy nabil? :S
snapneck
Nice! Would love to drive this actually, manual pugs are fun to drive
Aditya
Interior is too boring. side and rear profile are ugly, what is the price? This is not a competition to all the cars mentioned, it has nothing on those cars. Maybe to the Hyundai coupe of old, at arnd 75K.
Nittin
Unfortunately… 133K =P
not worth the money
source
https://www.drivearabia.com/ultimatecarbuyerguide/carpage.php/Peugeot-RCZ/2011-2012-/609
Saif Qazi
the more i see this car, the more i fall in love with it. its got such a fabulous presence that i don’t care about the floors:) it doesn’t even bother me if its unreliable or made in French.
@Aditya: you are right RCZ has nothing to compete with all the cars mentioned, yet it will be a good competition for all those dull, boring or, in the case of Camaro or Mustang, ostentatious cars:)
Asad A.
Its great that they provided you with a Manual transmission RCZ .. would love to read the full review on this.
BKJ
just personal opinion, i had bad experience with french cars, so i dont like em.
And honestly, in a country like the UAE, u need something thats a bit more practical… y do u think 4x4s r so popular here??
Samer
This car is real stunner, I saw it in flesh and as Mash said, it is not photogeneric, so it looks much more beautiful in real life, especially if it is in dark color with the aluminum roof lines. waiting for the full review
Rahul Jones
It looks so nice that it should go to my toy car collection….. 😛
ROJ
Looks like a quality car from Peugeot… Seems that they worked hard on this..
Aditya
YUKK the interior is as grey as a 1940’s movie. Grand father stuff!!
Parvin
Can’t believe you really think that Peugouts are built better than Mustangs? Show me a Peugout more than 15 years old on the road. You can see hundreds of Mustangs (1965-to present)…
This Peugout looks great, but 2011 Mustang looks better (thats why I own one)…
Xalan Mustafa
so the worlds oldest car company turns out to produce this , this car has one of the best rear and manual sounds fun ,good going Peugeot
Abdullah
Pure Audi TT RS
nabeal malik
i do agree that in the pictures it dosnt looks that good!! actually wierd it look! but in real it looks stunning.. makes TT look dull. n also kinda small exotic car. but the only problem i think is the price compared to the engine size. i gues its a 1.6T? 2.0T whould still be okay. n yeah reliability again.. which i have experienced about peugeot.. too many electronic faults.
haik
what is the price of this rcz car ??? is SR or dollar please !!! thx